Mich. communities consider merging police

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — Two of Oakland County's wealthiest communities are considering consolidating police departments in an attempt to save money, ward off future tax hikes and keep streets safe.

Birmingham and Bloomfield Township aren't in financial trouble, officials said. But, as state funding decreases, the municipalities are considering the cost-cutting move.

A draft of the county-funded study for the communities — which also are weighing sharing a fire department — was released in January. Both communities are reviewing the study, which showed potential savings of up to $4 million after the merger is complete. Such a merger could take about seven years.